Sermons on “Neighbor”

Although sin manifests in many forms, all sin shares a common root. Like a disease, the various sins we commit are merely the symptoms of a greater problem; if we treat only the symptoms we’ll never recover from the disease itself. When we look at a story like Sodom and Gomorrah, we often focus in on the various sins the cities committed which lead to their destruction. But these sins were symptomatic of a much greater problem. Like Sodom, we as individuals often try to treat the symptoms of our disease; we try to stop sexual immorality, stop slander, stop theft, stop alcoholism. But what if we are merely treating the symptom? How many times have we cut off a sin in our life only to have a new one spring up in it’s place? Together we discover how to kill sin at the root!

Jesus said in the last days that “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” in Matthew 24:12. This is a call to action for the believer; to increase in righteous living and set our hearts ablaze with love!

In a world of labels being used to divide us, Black & White, Male & Female, Republican & Democrat, Protestant & Catholic…. we have one label that matters above all others, one that is used to unify us; Christian.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” – Galatians 3:28 ESV

In a culture becoming increasingly divisive, Christian culture ought to be increasingly inclusive; welcoming all people from all races, professions, political affiliations, sexes, sexual orientations, and religions to come and experience the love of Jesus. When Christ becomes our identity, we can break through barriers and stand up for justice for all people.

St. Peter said one ought to be “diligent to confirm your calling and election.” The Apostle Paul said one ought to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” Being willing to “examine” ones actions and “confirm” ones salvation is a monumental step towards spiritual maturity. For if one is found to be lacking in an area, they now have the opportunity to address their weaknesses and overcome them by the help of the Holy Spirit. Together we’ll discover how to “self review” your faith and how to take steps towards spiritual maturity.

The Good Samaritan is more than a good story, Jesus used it to explain how to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” If we deviate from Jesus definition of what “love thy neighbor” looks like and redefine it as simply handshakes and smiles in public, others will suffer at the hands of evil. We are called to be Good Samaritans, we are called to be bringers of Justice and Mercy, this is how we fulfill the command to love our neighbors!